Two Mississippi Capitol Police officers, Michael Rhinewalt and Stephen Frederick, face manslaughter charges for the 2022 shooting of Jaylen Lewis during a traffic stop. This is part of a larger effort to combat rising crime in Jackson.
A grand jury indicted the officers. Rhinewalt is on leave; Frederick resigned after a DUI arrest. Rhinewalt was arrested and released on bond; Frederick has not yet been arrested.
The Capitol Police, a state force, were deployed to help with crime. The charges are the third case of alleged wrongdoing during this effort.
The officers shot Lewis after a traffic stop. Lewis's mother has sought justice. Rhinewalt and Frederick claimed self-defense, but the grand jury disagreed.
Lewis was one of four people shot by Capitol Police in 2022. Other incidents involved Sherita Harris and Latasha Smith. Rhinewalt and another officer face charges in the Harris shooting.
The Capitol Police have since revised use-of-force policies and equipped officers with cameras. Their jurisdiction has also expanded city-wide.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
We don't know all the facts. Let's wait for the trial and hear the evidence.
Eugene Alta
It's important to remember they were deployed to combat a rise in crime. Under immense pressure, it's easy to make a mistake.
Katchuka
Revised use-of-force policies"? A mere band-aid - it's the culture that needs changing, not superficial fixes.
Loubianka
The stories of the victims of these unnecessary shootings must be heard, and their lives honored.
KittyKat
The investigation has not concluded! I am certain there is another side to this story.